Page modules and providing content

ABSTRACT

A method of providing content to a user uses a browser, connects to a server; and performs a check. The method provides a set of modules, and thereby forms a page of modules. The method customizes a first module in the set of modules, saves the customization, and executes a function provided by a module in the set of modules. Initially, the set of modules may include a default set of modules, which includes the first module and a second module. The first module may assume several shapes, and content presented by the first module automatically adjusts according to the shape of the first module to maximize a field of view of the content for the user. Preferably, the first and second modules are stacked such that a horizontal dimension of the first and second modules spans the width of a browser window.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of online content, and ismore specifically directed to page modules and providing content.

BACKGROUND

Computer and computing device usage increases each year. Much of theincrease in usage is spurred by internetworking of devices such as byusing the Internet. With each new user and/or site coming online, theamount of information that is stored and accessible by computer systemsaround the world further increases. At the same time, the number,variation, and sophistication of computer users escalates, and userexpectations also rise, regarding the functionality of tools,interfaces, and the user experience.

The Internet and other networks interconnect computers and computingdevices to allow for transport of data over network connections.Computers and computing devices are often organized into client-serverrelationships. One type of server is a web server and an example of aclient is a web client such as a personal computer running a web browserprogram. Some web servers provide portal services that collectinformation from various sources and upon request generate a portal pagefor the web client. An example of such a portal page is at the web sitewww.yahoo.com provided by Yahoo Inc. This web site also has facilitiesthat support personalized pages. See, for example, my.yahoo.com.

Web servers typically service requests from web clients, by using asystem of protocols. In response to requests received, the web serverreturns data responses. The hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP) is anexample of a conventionally used protocol. One or more web clients issuerequests directed at a particular web server address for a pagerepresented by a universal resource locator (URL) in the request. Aserver responsive to the particular address responds with data such as aweb page that is displayed, or with another type of data set.

Conventional technology used for the web has limitations. Presently, theweb client typically employs a browser application that is capable ofpresenting to a user all or part of a web page in a user interface. Thebrowser application further accepts user input to interact with the webpage and/or web site. Web browsers are commonly used by users tonavigate within a single web page and across several web pages. Webbrowsers often provide functionality in addition to presenting web pagesand accepting user input related to web pages. For example, web pagesoften include executable program elements that are executed by a webbrowser upon receipt of a web page. These elements include a number ofvariations of application program interfaces (API).

Browser applications provide an interface for users to receive and/orinteract with content via the Internet or the web. A browser applicationgenerally resides on a user's computer. The browser application includesa window for displaying content retrieved from web sites via the web orInternet. The browser application may also include one or moreapplication toolbars. Web browsers provide information in the form of aweb page, which is produced by interpreting a text document encoded byusing hyper text markup language (HTML). Modem web page user interfacestypically employ sophisticated application programming interfaces,variations of JAVA, Flash, and other scripts and means of performingincreasingly complex functions for a user and a user interface.

As mentioned above, current application and/or interface technologieshave certain limitations. Moreover, despite the availability of vastamounts of information from numerous sources, not all information on theInternet, or even regarding a single topic, is relevant, useful, and/ormeaningful to every user, all the time. When users are barraged with toomuch information, too many choices, irrelevant and/or disorganizedcontent, humans and machine systems become overloaded, therebydiminishing the usefulness of otherwise powerful information tools.

SUMMARY

User Interface

A user interface for providing content includes several modules fordisplaying the content within a single page. A first module within thepage is for presenting content from a first source and a second moduleis for presenting content from a second source. The first module isstacked on top of the second module within a window for presenting thepage. The content provided by the first module is independent of thecontent provided by the second module such that a user interacts withthe content of each module independently and without the need fornavigation to a location external to the single page.

The user interface preferably includes a horizontal scroll bar for thefirst module, and additional content is presented through the firstmodule by using the horizontal scroll bar. The first module has avariety of shapes or sizes during the user interaction with the firstmodule, and the second module automatically adjusts to accommodate theshape and/or size of the first module. In a particular implementation,the dimensions of the first module resize to maximize the edge to edgehorizontal view within a browser window. When the scroll bar reaches anedge of the content presented in the module, the content wraps to allowthe user to continue scrolling, or alternatively, when the scroll barreaches an edge of the content presented in the module, an option formore content is presented such that the user is discretely presentedcontent that is sourced infinitely. The option for more content includesa click to reload button, a search function, or another suitable meansfor obtaining and presenting additional content.

Editing of Modules and Changing the Feed

The sources for the modules typically include feeds from a variety ofsources. Preferably, a second feed for the second module is from adifferent source than a first feed. The modules include a state for auser of the interface to change a feed to one or more modules in thepage. Embodiments of the invention include a zoom mode for reorderingthe modules. The zoom mode presents a full page view to the user. In thefull page view, the layout of the page and modules is more readilyascertained by a user. The full page view has icons for indicating thedirection of motion for reordering the modules, and the useradvantageously reorders the modules in the page by using a drag and dropmotion based on the indicators provided by the icons. In this manner,the location of each module is determined by the user.

Modules are optionally added or removed, and the presence of each moduleis determined by the user. Moreover, the content, feeds, and otherfeatures of each module are customizable such that the configuration ofeach module is determined by the user.

Example Module Types

Example, module types include an advertisement module, a quotes modulefor presenting quotes that are important to the user, a stock trackingmodule, a photo module configured for retrieving content from aphotograph site such as flickr.com. A social content module isconfigured for retrieving content from a site where the content on thesite is socially determined by a ranking system such as digg.com, forexample. Another type of module is the gallery module that includesdifferent templates that are configured for addition or removal to orfrom a page. For instance, in one embodiment, if a template in thegallery is clicked, the modules within the page slide upward and a newmodule based on the template is inserted onto the page of modules. Theseand additional modules are further described below.

States

Each module preferably includes several states such as, for example, acollapsed unrolled state, a collapsed rolled state, an expanded unrolledstate, an expanded rolled state, a customization state, an announcementbar state, and a hidden or temporary remove state. The collapsedunrolled state increases the user's breadth of view of the modules onthe page, and reduces the amount of detailed information for the usersuch that the content presented on the page and in this state does notoverwhelm the user. In this unrolled state, a set of tools is preferablyhidden from the user. The set of tools provides for in module navigationsuch as by including the horizontal scroll bar; and/or selections foredit and remove. This format is referred to as just in time and/or ondemand content. Moreover, the content that is presented on the page andwithin each module is based on the specification of the user.

The collapsed rolled state is for presenting to a user a set of toolsthat appears when a cursor is positioned over a module in the unrolledstate. The expanded unrolled state is for presenting additional contentto the user such as images, video and/or audio multimedia clips, text inthe form of captions, and the like. Preferably, the additional contentis presented within the stacked module page format without drastic orunsightly changes to the interface, such as without pop ups, frames,and/or new windows, for example.

The expanded rolled state is for presenting a set of tools that aretypically previously hidden in the unrolled state. As indicated above,the expanded rolled state comprises a detailed view that increases depthof presented information. The set of tools optionally includesmultimedia tools in addition to the navigational tools such as, forexample, an autoplay feature and/or a button for returning to acollapsed state. Another state is the announcement bar state thatrequires minimal space for presenting content within the page.Preferably, the modules are removable as part of the usercustomizability feature. However, some modules include a temporaryremove state, such that modules in this state reappear within the userinterface at a predetermined time. For instance, an advertisement moduleis advantageously placed in a temporary remove state by a user such thatthe user is allowed to control content, while permitting unobtrusiveadvertising to coexist with user customized content.

The configuration state is typically reached via a user selection in arolled state for transitioning to the configuration state. When a moduleis selected for configuration, the selected module appears to flip inplace on the page such that the user is presented with an edit mode forthe module without altering the appearance of the other modules withinthe page of modules. In one implementation, the configuration stateappears to be located on the back of a module selected for editingand/or user customization. The configuration state usually has aspecific color to indicate the state of the module. The configurationstate includes an option to save changes and an option to exit theconfiguration state. When the option to exit is selected, theconfiguration state of some embodiments appears to rotate in place toreturn to the state from which the configuration state was selected.Then, the changes made for the module are presented, in place where themodule lies on the page.

A method of providing content includes using a browser to connect to aserver and performing a check. The check includes a system check for aspecific component and/or a user identification check for a specificuser profile. Based on the check, the method provides a set of modulesthat form a page of modules. The method customizes a first module in theset of modules and saves the customization. The method executes afunction provided by the module.

Sometimes, the set of modules includes a default set of modules, such asfor a new user and/or a new browser connection. Alternatively, theprovided set includes a saved set of modules that is provided based on auser of the browser, by using a login ID, a cookie, or anotheridentifier. The method edits the customization at various times. Themethod provides, by using the first module in the set of modules,content located external to a storage location for the page of modules.Preferably, when the externally located content is updated, the contentprovided by one or more of the modules is automatically updated. Themethod reorders a module in the set of modules to alter the appearanceof the page. The method selectively adds additional modules such as asecond module, removes modules such as the first module, and/ortemporarily hides or removes modules, then later presents thetemporarily removed module within the page at a later time. Similarly,content, navigation, and/or other tools are hidden at various times.

The method vertically scrolls along a y-axis of the page to viewparticular modules within the page of modules particularly when thenumber of modules extends beyond a single page view. The methodhorizontally scrolls along an x-axis within a module, such as fornavigation within the module. Preferably, the other modules within thepage are unaffected by the horizontal scrolling within the module beinghorizontally scrolled. The method optionally adds content to the firstmodule thereby increasing the available amount of horizontal scrolling.The method wraps the content within a module, or alternatively, providesan option for additional content when a limitation of the horizontalscrolling is reached.

The modules typically each have several states. The states include oneor more of a collapsed unrolled state, a collapsed rolled state, anexpanded unrolled state, an expanded rolled state, a customizationstate, an announcement bar state, and/or a temporary remove state. Themodules selectively include various types such as a header module, adaily quote module, an advertisement module, a photo module, a stockmodule, a social content module, a spotlight type module, a popularitytype module, a movie module, a news module, a gallery module, asuggestion or targeting module, and a footer module. Each type of moduletypically includes specific details and features based on the contentfor the module. For instance, when the module comprises a news module,the executing typically involves requesting a response from an RSS feed,when the module comprises a social bookmarking module, the executingfurther involves javascript object notation, or when the modulecomprises a photographic module, the executing further involves a RESTtype API. Additional modules are contemplated in embodiments of theinvention. Additional examples include modules for movies, instantmessaging, and email. In a specific implementation, performing the checkcomprises checking for a Flash component, and the executing stepinvolves a Flash script.

A method of configuring a page positions a cursor over a particularlocation within the page and thereby reveals a set of tools forconfiguring the page. The method selects a tool and transitions to oneor more modes for customization. One mode includes a reordering mode.When this mode is selected, the method zooms out the page to present afull page view of the page. From the full page view, the method selectsa first module and moves the selected first module by using the cursor.Preferably, using the cursor comprises a drag-and-drop operation. When afirst module is selected within the full page view, the methodpreferably provides a visual cue that illustrates the possibledirections of movement of the selected first module for reordering. Whenthe first module is moved, the method automatically adjusts a secondmodule that is near to where the first module is moved.

System and Granular Events

A system for providing content includes a client device, a server, abrowser application, a user interface, a page, several modules, and afirst module among the several modules. The first module includesseveral states. The client device typically includes the browserapplication which is used to couple to the server. The server providesthe page and the modules to a user. The user advantageously uses andcustomizes the page, modules, and states for greater relevance and/orgreater usability to the user, as described above. Preferably, themodules are presented within a single page, and each user interactionwithin the single page comprises a granular event. Accordingly, someembodiments include systems and methods of recording, for the singlepage, the granular events. For instance, users are advantageouslyprofiled and/or behaviorally targeted based on the granular eventrecording. The granular events include a mouse over event and/or a clickwithin the page.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth in the appendedclaims. However, for purpose of explanation, several embodiments of theinvention are set forth in the following figures.

FIG. 1 illustrates a page and several modules according to someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a page with expanded modules.

FIG. 3 illustrates customization in further detail.

FIG. 4 illustrates modules reordered.

FIG. 5 illustrates modules removed.

FIG. 6 illustrates an added module.

FIG. 7 illustrates an announcement bar.

FIG. 8 illustrates an advertisement module.

FIG. 9A illustrates a social content module in collapsed unrolled androlled states.

FIG. 9B illustrates a social content module in expanded unrolled androlled states.

FIG. 9C illustrates a social content module in customization states.

FIG. 10 illustrates reordering of modules.

FIG. 11 illustrates a spotlight type module.

FIG. 12 illustrates a photo module.

FIG. 13 illustrates a movie module.

FIG. 14 illustrates an advertisement module related to a movie.

FIG. 15 illustrates a news module.

FIG. 16 illustrates a daily quote module.

FIG. 17 illustrates an advertising module with targeted ads.

FIG. 18 illustrates a stock module.

FIG. 19 illustrates a popularity type module.

FIG. 20 illustrates a header module.

FIG. 21 illustrates a gallery module.

FIG. 22 illustrates adding a module from the header.

FIG. 23 illustrates adding a module from the footer.

FIG. 24 illustrates a process in accordance with embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 25 illustrates a reordering process according to some embodiments.

FIG. 26 illustrates a system according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, numerous details are set forth for purposeof explanation. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will realizethat the invention may be practiced without the use of these specificdetails. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shownin block diagram form in order not to obscure the description of theinvention with unnecessary detail.

Embodiments of the invention include architectures for presentinginformation, including web pages. The web pages preferably includeaggregate and/or full page views for presenting breadth of information,while reducing irrelevant or untimely information. These embodiments arereferred to herein as collapsed views or states. Further embodimentsinclude expanded views or states that provide additional depth ofinformation. The views and information are provided through a usercustomizable interface. Preferably, the interface is segmented intodiscrete modules. The modules are conveniently added, edited orcustomized, reordered, hidden, and/or removed. Moreover, the interfacehas advantageous features for the selective presentation of content. Thecontent of these embodiments, and the tools for obtaining and/orcustomizing the content, is said to be just in time and/or on demand.

For instance, within each of the expanded and collapsed states, someimplementations include a roll over state. This state is achieved bypositioning a cursor over a selected module by using a pointing devicesuch as a mouse, track ball, track pad, or other device. When the rollover state is achieved, certain previously hidden information and/ornavigation tools appear for use by the user. Some examples of theinformation and/or tools that optionally appear include click buttonsand/or sliding mechanisms for scrolling. Particular implementationsinclude a horizontal scrolling means for the selective display of avariable amount of content. The content is optionally user configuredand/or automatically configured. For instance, the content oftenincludes data that is crawled from several sources by using applicationprogramming interfaces (API's) and/or really simple syndication (RSS)feeds.

Due to the structure of some of these embodiments, certain advantagesare implemented regarding on page analytics. For instance, granularevent counting and/or recording is advantageously achieved for datacollection, behavioral profiling, and/or targeting. These page analyticsare optionally collected and/or processed in conjunction withconventional click stream data.

Personalization or Customization of Exemplary Modules, Configurations,and States

As mentioned above, embodiments of the invention include a frameworkthat houses each content type systematically as modules. The modules areedited, added, removed, rearranged, reordered, and/or closed to create anearly unlimited number of combinations. Moreover, as mentioned above,each module typically includes a plurality of states. The foregoing andadditional features are further described in relation to particularexamples.

FIG. 1 illustrates a page 100 and several modules in accordance withembodiments of the invention. As shown in this figure, the modulesinclude a header module 102, a daily quote module 104, an advertisementmodule 106, two photo modules 106 and 116, a stock module 110, a socialcontent module 112, a spotlight type module 114, a popularity typemodule 118, a movie module 120, a news module 124, a gallery module 126,and a footer 128.

Preferably, the content provided by each module has particular relevancefor a specific user. Further, the content is generally stored at anexternal location to the page 100. In these cases, the content isadvantageously retrieved and/or presented in an aggregated fashion, andhas additional advantageous features, such as automatic updating, and/ororganization by a desirable characteristic, such as by relevance,popularity, and/or recency, for example. For instance, the socialcontent module 112 includes articles that are community determined byvoting or another means. Preferably the content is obtained in anautomated manner from an external site. The web site digg.com is anexample of a social content web site.

One of ordinary skill recognizes that the illustrated modules areexemplary in both variety and number, and further recognizes additionalmodules and combinations of modules. For instance, some implementationsinclude a social bookmarking module for presenting to a user a set ofmost recent and/or most used bookmarks. Preferably, the informationregarding the bookmarks is stored at a location and/or web site that areexternal to the social bookmarking module. The web site del.icio.us isan example of such a site. Advantageously, the social bookmarking moduleprovides and/or stores a set of bookmarks that are of interest to theuser. Regardless, of the particular content presented, the moduleprovides a customizable interface for the client, without the need fornavigation to or at an external site, and without the need foradditional customization at another location through a differentinterface.

Additional examples of the various possible modules are furtherdescribed herein, and by reference to the accompanying figures. Forinstance, a discussion of the quote of the day module follows inrelation to FIG. 18, the stock module by reference to FIG. 20, thespotlight type module in relation to FIG. 11, the photo module isdescribed by reference to FIG. 12, the movie module in conjunction withFIG. 15, the news module in relation to FIG. 17, and the popularity typemodule is of various types such as, for example, a news photos module,which is illustrated in FIG. 21.

FIG. 2 illustrates a page 200 that has modules in an expanded state.More specifically, the ad module 206, photo module 216, and movie module220 are illustrated in an expanded state. In the expanded state, themodule presents more detailed information regarding the contentpresented by the module. In some embodiments, the dimensions of themodule expand slightly to accommodate the more detailed content and/or amore detailed format for the content.

Preferably, certain modules within the page 200 have a user selectablecustomization state. FIG. 2 further illustrates a module configurationand/or customization state 222. Most modules in the page 200 are userconfigurable, however, the ad module 206 is preferably not userconfigurable. In an embodiment, the user selects the module forconfiguration by using a button within the user interface for themodule. When the button of some embodiments is clicked, the selectedmodule transitions to another state by using an animated sequence,within the user interface.

For instance, when a user selects a particular module for customization,the selected module of a particular implementation transforms in place.In some implementations, the module appears to rotate in place withoutaffecting the adjacent modules. To a user, the customization stateintuitively appears to be present on the back of the module selected forcustomization. Further, some implementations display the customizationstate in a particular color such as green. These implementations providea more fluid and contextual experience to a user who is customizing asingle module within a page, or multiple modules on the page.

FIG. 3 shows a page 300 with a module in the customization state 322 infurther detail.

The particular customization state is for the news module 224 of FIG. 2.As shown in this figure, the customization state 322 for the news moduleincludes guided settings, for source feeds, and for display preferences.The source feeds illustrated include World News, Local News, Tech News,and a selection to include additional types of news. One of ordinaryskill will recognize additional news source feeds that are alternativelyincluded or excluded from the module. In FIG. 3, the ad module 206, andmovie module 220 of FIG. 2 are removed, or alternatively, hidden fromview. As shown in FIG. 3, the remaining modules automatically adjust toreshape, resize, and/or provide additional content to the availablespace.

RSS Feeds

Web content syndication is an increasingly popular way for contentproviders to draw attention and visitors to web pages or sites. Usingcontent syndication technologies such as really simple syndication(RSS), a content provider advantageously creates an XML summary of thesite's content. The summary, which typically includes a number ofheadlines having various segments such as a title, a link to thecontent, and a brief description, is stored on the originating site'sweb server as an RSS feed. The RSS feed is manually created and updatedsuch as by editing the XML, for example, or automatically, such as byusing various scripts to periodically scan the site and update the XML.Operators of web sites, or individual users, conventionally subscribe apage to the RSS feed by including a reference to the desired RSS feed inthe HTML or other source code for the subscribed page. Some embodimentsprovide an intuitive user interface for potentially many and varied suchsubscriptions, all on a single page, without the need for navigation toadditional pages.

When the subscribed content is displayed such as through one or moremodules, the RSS feed, which is maintained on the originating site'sserver, is accessed, and the title of each item in the summary isdisplayed on the subscribed page as a link. Conventionally, a viewer ofthe subscribing page clicks on any of these links to view the item atthe originating site. According to embodiments of the invention, a userpreferably aggregates those RSS feeds from all of the websites the userwishes, onto a single master page that the user controls and views in aconsolidated format without the need for additional navigation, tools,and/or programming effort. By viewing the user's customized master page,the user conveniently sees new content as it is added and/or updated toany of the sites.

The interface to the externally located content is based on the natureof the content and/or the module type. For instance, the socialbookmarking module optionally uses javascript object notation (JSON) torequest and receive content form an external site such as the sitedel.icio.us, while a module that obtains content from a photograph sitesuch as flickr.com uses the REST API. Additional protocols and/orapplication programming interfaces are contemplated for additionalcontent modules such as movie and ad modules having video content, map,email, and instant messaging modules, for example.

FIG. 4 illustrates a customized version of a page 400 of modules. Forinstance, a stock module 410 has been reordered to appear between theheader module 402, and a daily quote module 404. Similarly, a spotlightmodule 414 has been reordered between the daily quote module 404, and asocial bookmarking module 412, followed in top to bottom sequence by aphoto module 416, a popularity module 418, a news module 424, and afooter 428. Also, shown in FIG. 4, ad modules are removed and/ortemporarily hidden from view.

FIG. 5 illustrates another customization for a page 500 of modules. Inthis figure, a news module 524 appears at the top of the page 500,between a header 502 and a daily quote module 504. The daily quotemodule 504 is followed by a stock module 510, a spotlight type module514, a social content module 512, a photo module 516, a popularity typemodule 518, and a footer 528.

FIG. 6 illustrates an alternative configuration for a page 600 ofmodules. As shown in this figure, a photo module 616 appears between aheader module 602, and a suggestion, ad and/or targeting module 630.This module 630 in some embodiments pushes content to the particularuser based on the user's profile or other information known about theuser.

FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate that the modules 706 and 806 of someembodiments have an announcement bar state. In FIG. 7, the announcementbar 706 includes brief information that may have interest to a user.However, the slim nature of the announcement bar 706 is advantageous andrequires little space. Should the user have an interest in additionalinformation, the announcement bar state is easily expanded to anotherstate to provide greater detail. Further, should the user prefer, theannouncement bar is optionally removed and/or hidden from view. As shownin this figure, once removed, some modules will reappear at a latertime. Also optionally, some embodiments will present the user with abrief instruction regarding retrieving the module and/or announcementbar, once removed or hidden.

FIG. 8 illustrates an ad module 806 in the announcement bar state 801,and in an expanded state 809. FIG. 8 further illustrates a userinstruction regarding the removal of the ad module 806.

States

As mentioned above, embodiments of the invention employ on demand and/orjust in time mechanisms for providing content, navigation, and/or otherinformation and tools. Accordingly, each module typically includes aplurality of states such as, for example: (1) a collapsed view unrolledstate, (2) a collapsed view rolled state, (3) an expanded view unrolledstate, and (4) an expanded view rolled state. Some modules furtheroptionally include (5) a customization state, (6) an announcement barstate, and/or (7) a temporary remove state. Each of these states isdiscussed further in relation to FIG. 9.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrate a social content module 912 in variousstates. As shown in these figures, the states include a collapsedunrolled state 903, a collapsed rolled state 905, an expanded unrolledstate 907, an expanded rolled state 909, and, configuration states 911and 913. When in the collapsed state 903, the social content module 912presents only one-line headlines for each article presented by themodule 912. The module 912 preferably draws its content from a websitethat presents socially determined content. Hence, the social contentmodule includes articles that are community determined by voting oranother means. Preferably the content is obtained in an automated mannerfrom an external site. The web site digg.com is an example of a socialcontent web site.

In this figure, the social content module 912 is configured forreceiving content from the digg.com web site. At digg.com, the contentis chosen by the users of the site, such as by using each article'snumber of “diggs.” Hence, the illustrated embodiment further presentseach article's number of diggs, or votes on digg.com's voting system.When in the collapsed rolled state 905, each article's headline andnumber of diggs is further accompanied by a brief abstract of thearticle. In this manner, some embodiments present just in time and/or ondemand content. Moreover, since the module 912 employs a feed from anexternal site, where the content is updated based on the site's users,the content preferably updates automatically within the module 912, asit updates on the external site, or within a predetermined time.

Also shown in FIG. 9, the collapsed rolled state 905 presents tools foradjusting the content and/or obtaining additional content such as thehorizontal slider 921 and the more and fewer buttons 927. Someembodiments further include additional tools such as an edit button 923,and a remove button 925 for customizing or removing the module 902. Theexpanded states 907 and 909 include additional content in the form of abrief text caption relating to each headline. The customization states911 and 913 allow user customization for the module 912, and are furtherdescribed below.

FIG. 10 illustrates the reordering of modules in additional detail. Asshown in this figure, the header 1002 and footer 1028 modules areusually fixed. Accordingly, adjacent these modules 1002 and 1028 areicons indicating that these modules 1002 and 1028 are preferably notreordered. In some embodiments, the icon only appears when the module isselected for reordering. Further, the daily quote module 1004immediately adjacent to the header 1002 is only reordered to a downwardposition, as indicated by the direction of the arrow icon adjacent thismodule 1004. Similarly, the module 1024 that is immediately adjacent thefooter 1028 is only reordered to an upward position. The modules 1006,1008, 1010, 1012, 1016, and 1018, that are not immediately adjacent theheader 1002 or footer 1028, are reordered in either upward or downwarddirections, as indicated by the bidirectional arrows.

FIG. 11 illustrates a spotlight type module 1114 in further detail. Asshown in this figure, the module 1114 focuses on several items ofcontent including, for instance, Group 94, Patagonia, William Eggleston,Adrian Frutiger, and Sol Lewitt. One of ordinary skill recognizes thevariety and depth of content that this module 1114 is capable ofpresenting. For instance, the module 1114 is shown in a collapsed state,however, additional depth for each content item is readily available inthe expanded state and/or rolled over state for the module 1114.Moreover, when coupled with the horizontal scrolling of someembodiments, the content presented by the module 1114 is only limited bythe amount of content that is desired to be provided, which ispotentially infinite. In one implementation, an option to include orsearch for additional content is located at the right and/or left edgesof the module when the ends of the presented content are reached.

FIG. 12 illustrates a photo module 1216 in various states including acollapsed unrolled state 1203, a collapsed rolled state 1205, anexpanded unrolled state 1207, an expanded rolled state 1209, and acustomization state 1211. The collapsed states 1203 and 1205, present athumbnail or preview image for quick scanning of a potentially largedata set. The expanded states 1207 and 1209 present a selectedphotograph in greater detail such as, for example, by enlarging theimage and/or by including a description of the image. The rolled states1205 and 1209 include a horizontal scrolling bar 1221 for previewing andpresenting a small or large amount of content. The collapsed rolledstate 1205 includes buttons for edit 1223 and remove 1225 of the module1216. The expanded rolled state 1209 further includes additional toolbuttons for auto play, hide captions, and/or collapse of the contentand/or state.

In particular embodiments, when the edit button is clicked 1223, themodule 1216 transitions to the customization state 1211. The transitionpreferably occurs by an aesthetic rotation in place that makes thecustomization state 1211 appear on the back of the module 1216. Somecustomization states 1211 have a distinct color such as green. Thecustomization state 1211 allows adjustments to the source and displaypreferences of the content within the photo module 1216. Preferably, thecustomization of the module 1216 is performed on the page of modules,with the other modules in tact such that the page layout is retained,and without the need for external tools and/or navigation. The photomodule 1216 obtains content from an external site such as flickr.com,and in this figure, is more specifically configured to receive Stoneth'sphoto stream. However, one of ordinary skill recognizes a number ofphoto streams and/or external sites for photographic and other content.

FIG. 13 illustrates a movie module 1320 in several states. The statesinclude a collapsed unrolled state 1303, a collapsed rolled state 1305,an expanded unrolled state 1307, an expanded rolled state 1309, and acustomization state 1311. As described above, the collapsed rolled state1305 reveals additional content and/or tools. In this figure, thecollapsed rolled state 1305 reveals a button 1329 for performing asearch for desired content. When clicked, a search bar 1331 appears foridentifying and presenting the desired content, and the button 1329transitions to allow hiding the search bar 1331. As shown in the figure,the search bar 1331 includes an organization by year and/or month, and afield for entering search terms and/or other criteria.

The expanded states 1307 and 1309 preferably show a preview image from aselected movie, and/or a description of the movie. Alternatively, theexpanded states 1307 and 1309 show a brief teaser or trailer from themovie. Regardless of the particular type and format of content, thepresentation of content and/or execution of each module preferably doesnot affect the other modules on the page of modules. The customizationstate 1311 allows the user to adjust the source and/or displaypreferences for the movie module 1320.

Some embodiments direct advertisement modules toward a user that arebased on a particular module and/or the user's interaction with themodule. Optionally, specific advertisements are targeted toward a userbased on information regarding the user. For instance, some embodimentstarget ad modules toward a user based on the user's interaction with themovie module 1320. In these embodiments, when a user has an affinity fora movie, an ad module is advantageously delivered to the user. Anexample of an indicator of affinity is when the user expands a moduleregarding a movie such as Nacho Libre. One of ordinary skill recognizesadditional indicators of affinity.

Accordingly, FIG. 14 illustrates an ad module 1406 in various states forthe movie Nacho Libre. In the announcement bar state 1401, the user ispresented with an invitation to obtain more detail regarding the movie.Clicking the announcement bar 1401 presents the user with a collapsedunrolled state 1403 that presents more information to the user. If theuser has still further interest, in the presented content, then themodule 1406 transitions to the collapsed rolled state 1405, bypositioning a cursor over the module 1406. As described above, therolled state reveals additional content and/or tools such as a slider1421. Also mentioned above, a large amount of information isadvantageously presented by using horizontal scrolling. For instance,some embodiments include image previews, teaser trailer clips, and/orother information to entice or appease the user's interest.

Moreover, by selecting and/or clicking an item of content in thecollapsed state 1405, embodiments of the invention preferably switch toan expanded state 1407 and 1409 to present even further information tothe user. Preferably, the ad module 1406 is temporarily removable and/orhidden by the user, but is not otherwise modified by the user.

FIG. 15 illustrates a news module 1524 in a collapsed unrolled state1503, a collapsed rolled state 1505, and in a customization state 1511.Conventionally, news sites are not customizable. However, particularembodiments repurpose content from one or more news sources, and enablecustomization features for the user. Accordingly, when a user clicks anedit button 1523, the user is presented with the customization state1511. In the customization state 1511, the user is enabled to selectfrom a variety of news feeds including world, local, tech, and othernews feeds. Moreover, the user is presented with a variety of tools foradjusting the display preferences for the selected news feeds.

FIG. 16 illustrates a daily quote module 1604 in various states,including a collapsed unrolled state 1603, a collapsed rolled state1605, an expanded rolled state 1609, and customization states 1611 and1613. When the quote is very long, a portion of the long quote ispreferably displayed in the collapsed states 1603 and 1605. Then, whenthe user indicates a desire to view the full quote, the module 1604transitions to an expanded state 1609, where the full quote isdisplayed. Further, the rolled states 1605 and 1609 provide tool buttonssuch as edit 1623 for customizing the module, remove 1625 for removingthe module, and find 1627 for finding specific content, and a slider1621 navigation tool for viewing additional content. When the findbutton 1627 is clicked, a search bar 1631 appears. In the illustratedimplementation, the search bar 1631 is organized by year and month, andincludes a field for entering search criteria. The edit button 1623transitions the module 1604 to the customization states 1611 and 1613,where a user specifies source and/or display preferences.

FIG. 17 illustrates a text advertising module 1730 with targeted ads ina collapsed unrolled state 1703 and a collapsed rolled state 1705. Asshown in this figure, the rolled state 1705 further presents a slider1721, an edit button 1723, and a remove button 1725 to the user. In theillustrated embodiment, the module 1730 suggests content in the form ofadvertising for which the user might have an interest. Some embodimentsmarket to the user in this less obtrusive and suggestive manner, so thatthe user is not burdened and/or repulsed.

FIG. 18 illustrates a stock module 1810 in a collapsed unrolled state1803, a collapsed rolled state 1805, and configuration states 1811 and1813. The stock module 1810 presents stocks, prices, and updates atperiodic intervals. The module 1810 presents the information for anynumber of stocks, without the need for navigation to additional pages.An edit button 1823 of the rolled over state 1805, invokes thecustomization state 1811. The customization state 1811 is for editingthe source and display preferences of the module 1810 such as the stockspresented and the refresh rate, for example. As shown in the state 1813,some embodiments assist the user in finding stock exchange symbols whenadding new stocks to the module 1810.

FIG. 19 illustrates a popularity type module 1918 in various statesincluding a collapsed unrolled state 1903, a collapsed rolled state1905, an expanded unrolled state 1907, an expanded rolled state 1909,and customization states 1911 and 1913. As described above, each statetransitions to the next based on user behavior and/or interest. In theillustrated embodiment, the popularity module 1918 presents news itemsbased on a popularity or user interest score. For instance, thecollapsed states 1903 and 1905 present thumbnails, while the expandedstates 1907 and 1909 present detailed images and/or captions. Thecustomization states 1911 are activated by using a tool button withinthe rolled over states 1905 and 1909. In the customization state 1911, auser specifies preferences for source and/or display. The customizationstate 1913 indicates that the sources of an embodiment include editorspicks, most viewed, highest rated, most emailed, top stories, Iraq,entertainment, sports, lifestyle, politics, business, technology,science, health, odd news, and/or AFP top photos. One of ordinary skillrecognizes additional sources, and/or alternative items of content basedon a scoring system.

Header

FIG. 20 illustrates a header module 2002 according to an implementation.As shown in this figure the header 2002 has a collapsed state 2003, acollapsed rolled over state 2005, an expanded state 2009, and acustomization state 2011.

The collapsed state 2003 advantageously has a slim footprint and reducedinformation such as reduced content, prompts, buttons, sliders, and/orother navigation tools. Preferably, certain additional content and/ortools are revealed in the rolled over state. As mentioned above, therolled over state 2005 is achieved when a cursor, which is representedby the pointing hand, is positioned over an unrolled state. In thecollapsed rolled state 2005, additional information is presented to theuser such as a credit for the art work of the module 2002, and an optionto edit the header module 2002.

When clicked, the edit button 2023 opens a customization mode for theheader 2002. In one implementation, a tray drops down that provides avariety of templates and/or art work for selection by the user. The trayincludes a slider 2001 for the horizontal access of additionaltemplates. In this figure, the templates are organized such as by themonth and year of the most selected headers during that time period.However, one of ordinary skill recognizes alternative organizationalschemes such as by month and year of submission or creation, forexample. The expanded state 2009 shows the content, such as the artwork,in additional detail. In the illustrated state 2009, the module 2002 andimage content is shown in a larger format.

Some embodiments provide a default header for new users and/or users whodo not select a particular header. For instance, some of theseembodiments use as the default the most popular header from thecommunity for the current month and year. In contrast to conventionalpages that limit the user to rigid headers for particular brandadvertising, some embodiments permit more customizable headers that aremore pertinent to the user. In some of these embodiments, the user isable to submit new and/or original templates and artwork by using asubmit button 2027. Optionally, the submit button 2027 revealsadditional content in the form of a message to the user. Submittedheaders are stored in the drop down tray for use by the user and otherusers. Some headers are sorted and/or stored in particular ways, such asby a rating or voting system as further described below.

Gallery

Particular embodiments include additional modules in a gallery module2126. The gallery module 2126 stores different types of modules ortemplates that are selectable by a user for inclusion or addition to thepage. The module templates in the gallery 2126 are provided by a hostfor the customizable web pages such as Yahoo Inc., for example.Alternatively, module templates are submitted and/or vetted by thecommunity for inclusion in the gallery 2126. For instance, the moreaesthetic and/or relevant modules preferably receive the most promotionwithin the gallery module 2126. Some implementations use a ratingsystem. Moreover, developers and designers are able to locate each otherthrough the gallery module 2126. For instance, those users interested inthe World of Warcraft game, can create a chat module for chatting withother Warcraft gamers, and submit the module to the gallery module 2126.Such a community based system is contemplated for the headers andartwork of the header tray described above in relation to FIG. 20.

Adding Modules

FIG. 22 illustrates a variety of ways in which modules are added. Asshown in this figure, the header 2202 preferably includes a button foradding a module to a page. When the add module button is clicked, thegallery module 2226 appears to allow the user to select a module from avariety of module templates stored in the gallery. The gallery module2226 appears in a variety of advantageous ways such as by drop down.Alternatively, the user is transitioned to the gallery within the page.When the user selects a module template from the gallery 2226, themodules in the page preferably slide down to make room for the addedmodule, which appears in a variety of ways in the newly created space onthe page. In a particular implementation, the user clicks on the desiredmodule template in the gallery 2226 and/or drags the desired templateout of the gallery 2226. In this implementation, the newly added moduleappears in the desired position by defaulting to a customization state2211.

FIG. 23 illustrates an alternative method of adding a module. As shownin this figure, the cursor is near the footer 2328 of the page, and theuser enters the gallery module 2326 directly to add a module to the pagebased on a template stored in the gallery 2326. In this embodiment, themodules in the page slide upward to allow space for the new module,which preferably appears above the gallery module 2326, and in a state2311 ready for user customization.

Additional Modules and States

As mentioned above, one of ordinary skill recognizes a variety ofadvantageous module implementations and features. In particular,advertising and other modules include four states for increasing and/orreducing the presentation of the content and/or tools to the user. Thesefour states includes rolled and unrolled over states for each of acollapsed state and an expanded state. Moreover, some embodimentsinclude two additional states for improving usability and customization.The announcement bar state further provides content and/or options foradditional content in a space saving and unobtrusive manner. Thetemporary hide or remove state similarly allows for customization andunobtrusiveness. These and additional features are discussed in relationto the advertising implementations of FIGS. 7-8; 13-14 and 15. Someembodiments include a search feature as part of a module, oralternatively, as a separate search module. The search feature of theseembodiments optionally includes an autocomplete function andadvantageously provides results in page and/or inline with the user'sinteraction with the various content and the various modules on thepage. This and other features are provided fluidly without the need foradditional navigation or window switching. Further, the search featurepreferably provides a set of sponsored results that are optionallyimplemented with the provision of related content and/or advertising.

As mentioned above, additional modules are implemented in alternativeembodiments. For instance, a “my newest” module includes contentcompiled from a variety of sources, based on novelty, while an answersand/or information module includes statistics and/or newly postedanswers to a question that is relevant to the user. Alternatively atraffic module presents information in the form of traffic conditionsthat are user customized such as the traffic for the user's home to workand vice versa. Similarly, a weather module presents a customized userinterface that includes a variety of media including maps, audio, video,charts, tables, and other information within the module. Embodiments ofthe invention include content retrieved from partner site locations,such as watched items provided by eBay Inc., a desktop or scheduleprovided TiVo Inc., or a short message service (SMS) module for sendingand/or receiving messages.

Some embodiments emphasize a community aspect. For instance, anastrology module provides periodic information regarding events andpredictions related to astrological signs, and also provides forcontributions and sharing among users of the module. Additional modulesare recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, despitethe quantity and variation of content and modules, the modules presentan easy to perceive format on a single self updating page, without theneed for additional external navigation.

Additional module possibilities include a map module, an instantmessaging module, and an email module. Within each module, contentpreferences are designated by the user. Also, content is alternativelypushed based on user behavior and/or patterns.

FIG. 2400 illustrates a process 2400 for using the modules of someembodiments. As shown in this figure, the process 2400 begins at thestep 2410, where a browser is used to connect to a server. Someembodiments check for specific components such as, for example, one ormore cookies, plugins, controls, and/or players. For instance, someembodiments check for a Flash player that is provided by Macromedia Inc.Particular implementations further register an identity for the userand/or for the machine used to connect to the server. The identityincludes a user login, and/or a cookie, for example.

Then, at the step 2420 one or more default modules are provided to a newuser. The default modules are typically part of a theme. The theme isoptionally selected a variety of ways such as by using the user'sprofile, by user selection, randomly, and/or by another method.Alternatively, if the user and/or the machine is recognized and haspreviously saved modules, then the saved modules are retrieved andprovided to user's browser. After the modules are provided at the step2420, the process 2400 transitions to the step 2430, where the modulesprovided at the step 2420 are customized. In some embodiments, themodules are customized by using the editing functions described above.New or unsophisticated users may forego significant or any customizationand proceed with one or more default settings and/or default modules.

After zero, one or more modules and/or themes are customized at the step2430, the process 2400 transitions to the step 2440, where an option tosave is presented. If the customizations should be saved, then theprocess 2400 transitions to the step 2450, where the changes are writtento a storage location. Some embodiments save the customization as partof a user profile. The profile is identified by using a uniqueidentifier such as a login ID or by using a cookie for a browserapplication on a certain machine. Thus, when the user or machine logsin, the saved customizations are retrieved from the storage location forpresentation. After the step 2440, the process 2400 transitions to thestep 2460.

If the customizations should not be saved at the step 2450, then theprocess 2400 transitions to the step 2460, where the modules execute avariety of predefined functions. If the modules are customized, some ofthe execution is based on the customization.

For instance, news modules typically request a response from one or moreRSS feeds. Social bookmarking modules might execute javascript objectnotation (JSON), such as, for example, to interface with an externalsite dedicated to such bookmarking such as de.licio.us, for example.Photo modules preferably interface with an external site for photographsby using the REST API. The web site flickr.com is an example of such anexternal photo site. Additional modules, such as movie modules and/orinstant messaging modules, for example, optionally use another APIand/or protocol to obtain and/or update content for these variousdifferent modules.

Regardless of the particular modules and/or execution, at the step 2470the process 2400 determines whether to edit the default and/orcustomized modules. For instance, embodiments of the invention alter theparameters of one or more modules. The editing is typically in responseto a user request, or alternatively, a system request. If editing shouldoccur at the step 2470, then the process 2400 returns to the step 2430.Otherwise, the process 2400 concludes.

FIG. 25 illustrates a reordering process 2500. The reordering process2500 is optionally is used to reorder one or more modules within a page,such as the reordering illustrated by FIG. 10, for example. As shown inthis figure, the process 2500 begins at the step 2510, where a cursor ispositioned or is rolled over a module among a page of modules.Preferably, at the step 2510, one or more buttons are revealed that arefor editing, adding, removing, and/or reordering the page. Then, theprocess 2510 transitions to the step 2520, where a selection for editingand/or customization is made. Once the selection for editing is made,the page zooms out to present a full page view, at the step 2530. Fromthe full page view, one or more modules are selected and/or reordered.In some embodiments, the reordering is performed by using the cursor ina drag-and-drop operation. Further, some embodiments provide visual cuesin the form of icons that illustrate the possible directions of movementof each module for reordering. At the step 2550, it is determinedwhether the process 2500 should continue such as for multiple modules ofa page, for example. If the process 2500 should continue at the step2550, then the process 2500 returns to the step 2540. Otherwise, thereordering process 2500 concludes.

FIG. 26 illustrates a system 2600 for presenting content including usercustomizable modules to users through a network. As shown in thisfigure, the system 2600 includes a plurality of users 2602 and 2604 whointeract with a network 2606. The network includes local area networks,wide area networks, and networks of networks such as the Internet, forexample. The network 2606 typically includes several sites comprising anumber of web pages having content. One or more particular web pagesinclude modules as described above. The modules are for the presentationof content to the users 2602 and 2604. Accordingly, the network 2606 iscoupled to an exemplary site or page 2608 that includes severalexemplary modules 2610, 2612 and 2614. As represented by the dashedlines, the page 2608 includes a variable number of modules, and one ofordinary skill recognizes that the modules 2610, 2612, and 2614 aremerely exemplary in number. The site 2608 is coupled to a server 2616for providing configuration, storage, retrieval, data collection and/orprocessing. The server 2616 receives data from a variety of sources,including directly from the users 2602 and 2604, from the network 2606,from the site or page 2608, and/or from another source 2607. Typically,the page 2608 and the server 2616 are provided by one or more of apublisher, a network portal and/or an Internet portal. Further, as theusers 2602 and 2604 interact with the network 2606, and the page 2608,content selected and/or configured for the modules, of the page 2608, ispresented to the users 2602 and 2604.

Advantages

As a user interface, embodiments of the invention include a personalizedhome page that has advantages over the art. Some implementationsrepackage content and data types from one or more locations, includingexternal websites, to create a highly relevant and quality defaultexperience with genuinely useful customization and content options. Forinstance, implementations of the user interface provide severalfunctionalities over the art. One such functionality includescustomizable modules, while another functionality includes horizontalscrolling within a module. Moreover, the length of vertical and/orhorizontal scrolling is adjustable, and hence, the amount of contentpresented is readily and/or automatically customized and updated.

As a system level implementation, embodiments of the invention operateas a traffic driver for audiences that may not otherwise use a webportal and/or certain content nested therein. These embodiments serve asa vehicle for product awareness without overt heavy handed preaching andselling tactics. In this manner, the number of products consumed byusers of a content provider and/or a portal are increased.

Embodiments of the invention have advantageous features for thoseinterested in design and technology, among others. Such users tend toalready use individual sites for some of the content described abovesuch as, for example, users of social content, social bookmarking,and/or photo web sites, or more specifically, users of digg.com,del.icio.us, and/or flickr.com. Some embodiments include a home page fora group of users that is preferably visited very often for obtaininghighly relevant and/or updated content. These embodiments areadvantageously designed with default content that is both aggregated andeditorial. The default content is often good enough that it does notrequire elaborate customization. Hence, the content of some embodimentsincludes items that are appropriate at various times during a userinteraction session, particularly when the user or a group of usersopens a browser. Some embodiments segment audiences to provide moretargeted content and interaction models as well as appropriateadvertisers.

By repurposing and/or repackaging existing content via RSS and APIs inmore compelling user interface modules, embodiments of the inventionsurface content to a user who is otherwise unaware of such interestingcontent. Preferably, these users are launched into novel parts of a sitethat the users have not experienced. Moreover, the user interface ofsome embodiments allows users to experience an Internet portal, such asthe portal site provided by Yahoo Inc., as a content source in anenvironment with which the user is more comfortable, without the needfor external navigation. Moreover, a variety of content types andquantities is delivered to the user in a single simple and intuitiveuser interface.

Conventional systems undesirably require users to close and moveportions of and within a user interface. To counter the limitations oftraditional online advertising models, embodiments employ one or more ofthe following monetization means, on a highly customizable and userfriendly page.

Some implementations, in addition to the advertising, targeting, andmarketing implementations described above, perform product promotion byusing a specific module entitled “Things We Like” that preferablycontains cool, fun, and/or design-oriented products. These products arepreferably available through the portal, such as through Yahoo Shopping,for example. Thus, clicking the products presented by this module passesthe user through Yahoo Shopping, and carries a purchase referral.

Some implementations include custom advertising tools, and/or modulesdeveloped for specific advertisers that have relevant content toshowcase. For instance, an automobile manufacturer such as Audi choosesthis module implementation to present a design process. As anotherexample, a movie studio customizes a module by using a CGI process. Thecustom module relates to a particular movie that is being released.Advantageously, new modules are created to showcase content based on anexisting module template, such as a Flickr photo module template, forexample, or a completely new module that is similar to the Spotlightframework, as another example.

Some implementations include tools for developing and/or customizing amodule and/or template. For instance, an advertiser has productinformation or services that are appropriate for presentation to a userin a module format. Hence, some embodiments include tools for developingsponsored modules. For example, a Netflix movie module advantageouslycontains new release movie information and trailers. FIG. 13 illustratesan example of a Netflix module 1320.

Community

Some embodiments foster a community aspect. For instance, the inclusionof new modules and types of modules is optionally community driven. Inthese embodiments, users generate modules and submit the generatedmodules to the community. Only those modules approved or voted forinclusion by the community are added to the gallery of availablemodules. The headers of some embodiments are similarly included by usingsuch a rating, voting, or other community oriented system. The spotlightmodule of particular implementations is another example of a communityoriented approach.

While the invention has been described with reference to numerousspecific details, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize thatthe invention can be embodied in other specific forms without departingfrom the spirit of the invention. For instance, the examples given aboveoften relate to news, photo, movie, and/or online media, however,additional and/or multiple media types are contemplated as well. Thus,one of ordinary skill in the art would understand that the invention isnot to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details, but rather isto be defined by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising at least one processor and memory, for providing content to a user, the system comprising: a module configured to receive content from a first source and to receive content from a second source; a module configured to display a first module and a second module from a single webpage, the first module comprising the content from the first source and the second module comprising the content from the second source, the first module and the second module being independent such that the user may interact with the content in the first module independent of the second module, and the user may interact with the content in the second module independent of the first module, each of the first and second module comprising a user customization state for changing the content of the module; and a module configured to display an advertisement module from the single webpage, the advertisement module comprising an advertisement based on the user's interaction with the content of one of the first and second modules; wherein the advertisement module is configured to: receive instructions from the user to place the advertisement module in a temporary remove state to remove the advertisement module from the single webpage for a predetermined amount of time; place the advertisement module in the temporary remove state and remove the advertisement module from the single webpage in response to the instructions received from the user; and the predetermined amount of time after receiving the instructions from the user, automatically insert the advertisement module within the single web page.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user's interaction with the content comprises a click within the content.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user's interaction with the content comprises a mouse over event.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the removal of the advertisement module from the single webpage presents to the user an option for the advertisement module to reappear on the single web page.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the advertisement module does not comprise a user customization state.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second modules further comprise an announcement bar state for displaying a portion of the content, the announcement bar state allowing the display of the module to be expanded to display additional portions of the content.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user's interactions with the single page are recorded as a plurality of granular events.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the granular events further comprise the user's interaction with the content of the first and second modules.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the advertisement comprised within the advertisement module is further based on the user's recorded granular events.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first module, second module, and advertisement module comprise equal widths, each of the modules placed in a column.
 11. A computer-implemented method of providing content to a user, the method comprising: in system comprising at least one processor and memory, the at least one processor: displaying, on a computer, a first module and a second module from a single webpage, the first module comprising content from a first source, the second module comprising content from a second source, wherein the first and second modules comprise a user customization state for changing the content of the module; and displaying, on a computer, an advertisement module from the single webpage, the advertisement module comprising an advertisement based on the user's interaction with the first and second module of the single web page, receiving instructions from the user to place the advertisement module in a the temporary remove state to remove the advertisement module from the single webpage for a predetermined amount of time; placing the advertisement module in the temporary remove state and removing the advertisement module from the single webpage in response to the instructions received from the user; and the predetermined amount of time after receiving the instructions from the user, automatically displaying the advertisement module within the single web page.
 12. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the user's interaction with the single web page comprises a click within the modules.
 13. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the user's interaction with the single web page comprises a mouse over event.
 14. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, further comprising: presenting to the user an option for the advertisement module to reappear on the single web page while the advertisement module is removed from the single webpage.
 15. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the advertisement module does not comprise a user customization state.
 16. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the first and second modules further comprise an announcement bar state for displaying a portion of the content, the announcement bar state allowing the display of the module to be expanded to display additional portions of the content.
 17. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the user's interactions with the single page are recorded as a plurality of granular events.
 18. The computer-implemented method of claim 17, wherein the granular events comprise the user's interaction with the content of the first and second modules.
 19. The computer-implemented method of claim 18, wherein the advertisement comprised within the advertisement module is further based on the user's recorded granular events.
 20. The computer-implemented method of claim 11, wherein the first module, second module, and advertisement module comprise equal widths, each of the modules placed in a column.
 21. A computer-implemented method of providing content to a user, the method comprising: in system comprising at least one processor and memory, the at least one processor: receiving content from a first source and content from a second source; displaying a first module and a second module from a single webpage, the first module comprising the content from the first source and the second module comprising the content from the second source, the first module and the second module being independent such that the user may interact with the content in the first module independent of the second module, and the user may interact with the content in the second module independent of the first module, each of the first and second module comprising a user customization state for changing the content of the module; displaying an advertisement module from the single webpage, the advertisement module comprising an advertisement based on the user's interaction with the content of at least one of the first and second modules; receiving instructions from the user to place the advertisement module in a temporary remove state to remove the advertisement module from the single webpage for a predetermined amount of time; placing the advertisement module in the temporary remove state and remove the advertisement module from the single webpage in response to the instructions received from the user; and the predetermined amount of time after receiving the instructions from the user, automatically inserting the advertisement module within the single web page.
 22. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the user's interaction with the content comprises a click within the content.
 23. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the user's interaction with the content comprises a mouse over event.
 24. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, further comprising: presenting the user an option for the advertisement module to reappear on the single webpage while the advertisement module is removed from the single webpage.
 25. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the advertisement module does not comprise a user customization state.
 26. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the first and second modules further comprise an announcement bar state for displaying a portion of the content, the announcement bar state allowing the display of the module to be expanded to display additional portions of the content.
 27. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the user's interactions with the single page are recorded as a plurality of granular events.
 28. The computer-implemented method of claim 27, wherein the granular events further comprise the user's interaction with the content of the first and second modules.
 29. The computer-implemented method of claim 28, wherein the advertisement comprised within the advertisement module is further based on the user's recorded granular events.
 30. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the first module, second module, and advertisement module comprise equal widths, each of the modules placed in a column.
 31. The computer-implemented method of claim 21, wherein the changing of the content comprises changing the source of the content. 